The Best Family Ski Resorts Near Seattle
The Best Ski Resorts for Seattle Area Families
Although Seattle may be known for its rainy clime, that precipitation turns to snow as you climb in elevation into the abutting Cascade Mountain Range. As such, a winter wonderland with opportunities for a lifetime of fun family memories awaits just a short car ride away. To help you know before you go, the ski and snowboard experts at the flagship evo Seattle store have compiled a list of the most family-friendly ski resorts for those in the greater Seattle area. From the snowy lodges, to on-hill inner tubing, to spaceship-esque gondola rides, we break down the best local ski resorts and why they might be a great fit for your kids and family:
The Summit at Snoqualmie
- Time in the car: 50 min.
Why it’s great for families: Not only is The Summit at Snoqualmie the closest of all the Western Washington resorts — offering less are we there yets and a reduced risk of car sick clean ups — it also has a tubing hill that’s a blast for those who aren’t keen to ski or snowboard. Terrain wise, Snoqualmie as a whole is the least challenging of the mountains, but for those who are looking for slightly spicier slopes, the partner area at Alpental is just on the other side of the highway.
Stevens Pass Mountain Resort
- Time in the car: 1 hr & 30 min.
Why it’s great for families: With a small, hometown vibe, playful terrain, and the best terrain park around, Stevens Pass is a popular destination for Seattle residents and is located at the crest of scenic Highway 2. There are fun and quirky runs as well as a passionate ensemble of ‘locals’ that venture up from both the east and west. If you’re looking for a full weekend getaway, the Bavarian town of Leavenworth is a popular tourist destination with lots of lodging options just 45 minutes east of Stevens.
Crystal Mountain Resort
- Time in the car: 2 hrs.
Why it’s great for families: The only ski resort in Washington with a gondola (i.e. a functional spaceship that’s reliably a hit with kids, especially when things are cold and windy), Crystal is also the biggest ski area around and consequently feels the least crowded too. If you happen to get a clear, sunny day, the views of the neighboring icon, Mt. Rainier, are absolutely breathtaking. As an added bonus, Crystal Mountain is the only resort in Western Washington with a mid-mountain lodge for everyone to duck into to warm up and grab cocoa or a snack.
Mt. Baker
- Time in the car: 2 hrs & 30 min.
Why it’s great for families: Revered as the West Coast’s mecca of powder, Mt. Baker averages more annual snowfall than any other Western Washington ski area and their proximity to Puget Sound is such that the snow there is even rumored to be salty! Terrain wise things here trend more towards intermediate-advanced, so it’s a great challenge to take on with more experienced skiers/snowboarders — plus it’s the furthest away from Seattle.
Looking to make the most of your family trips to the mountains? Gear up at evo Seattle’s Flagship store before you leave town! With full season ski and snowboard rentals for kids, you can save money, save time, and avoid standing in those long rental lines at the resort every time you go! What’s more, evo’s youth rental packages include everything you need and ensure boot-to-binding compatibility for your quickly growing kids. For all you parents, check out their evoFit ski boot fitting program — having comfortable, happy feet while you’re skiing is your ticket to having patience with your kids. Stop by the evo Seattle Store and find everything you need for fun family weekends on the slopes.
